Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hex color #1C0D8B, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, saturated shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its rich and intense hue. In the RGB color model, #1C0D8B consists of 11% red, 5.1% green, and 54.5% blue. Its CMYK values are 80% cyan, 90% magenta, 0% yellow, and 45% black. Ultramarine is often associated with feelings of tranquility, depth, and sophistication. Historically, Ultramarine was derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment in art and decoration. Today, it is widely used in various applications, including graphic design, web development, and fashion, to evoke a sense of elegance and mystery.
The color #1C0D8B, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of approximately 2% means that text rendered in this color requires very light foreground colors to meet WCAG standards for contrast ratio. For instance, using white text (#FFFFFF) on a #1C0D8B background yields a contrast ratio of around 11.8:1, which surpasses the AAA requirements. However, any darkening of the foreground color quickly degrades the contrast, making the text difficult to read. Therefore, careful consideration must be given to color pairings, and tools for checking contrast ratios are essential. Avoid using this color for important information without sufficient contrast, and provide alternative cues, such as icons or text formatting, to enhance usability for all users. Consider users with color blindness who may struggle to distinguish this color from other dark hues.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #1C0D8B can serve as an accent color for headers or backgrounds to create a sense of depth and sophistication. It pairs well with lighter, contrasting colors like whites and yellows to ensure readability and visual appeal. For example, a website for a financial institution could use this color for its navigation bar to convey trust and stability. However, avoid using it for large blocks of text due to its low luminance, which can cause eye strain. Incorporate it sparingly to highlight key elements and maintain a balanced visual hierarchy.
Beauty Products
In the beauty industry, Ultramarine (#1C0D8B) can be incorporated into eyeshadow palettes, nail polishes, and even hair dyes to create bold and dramatic looks. It is often used in combination with metallic or shimmering finishes to enhance its visual impact. For example, a smoky eye look can be elevated by blending this color with silver or gold pigments. In nail art, it can be used as a base color for intricate designs or as an accent color to add a touch of sophistication. It is suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine (#1C0D8B) can be used to create a focal point in a room or to add depth and richness to a space. It works well as an accent wall color or as a color for upholstered furniture. For example, a living room with neutral-colored walls can be enhanced by incorporating an ultramarine sofa or armchair. It can also be used in accessories such as throw pillows, curtains, and rugs to create a cohesive and stylish look. It is often paired with complementary colors like gold or yellow to create a visually striking contrast.